Fancy Dress Tradition Continues

The ancient Ukrainian tradition of New Year fancy dress festivities is thought to date back to pagan times, and it is still alive and well. The village of Vashkivtsi in Snyatin region, Chernivtsi oblast was one of many to hold January traditional folklore festivals. Participants in outlandish costumes, many in drag, gathered for fun by the river and ample amounts of horilka as they toasted many faux weddings and raised a glass or three to prosperity in the coming year.